In the world of solar energy, one exciting technology is the solar tracking system. Put simply, this is a way to make your solar panels follow the sun, instead of just sitting fixed in one position. For anyone installing a sun tracking solar panel setup, whether a ground-mounted system, or part of a commercial rooftop system, understanding how solar tracking works, its benefits and drawbacks, and the different types available can help you make an informed decision. In this blog we’ll dive into the concept, show how it works, explore types, and weigh pros and cons, especially in relation to an on-grid solar system or large commercial rooftops.
What is a Solar Tracking System?
A solar tracking system is a mechanical and control system that adjusts the orientation of a solar panel or array of solar panels so that they face the sun more directly throughout the day. In contrast to a fixed tilt system (where panels remain in one angle, fixed in place), a tracker shifts the panel’s position to optimise the amount of sunlight hitting the panel surface.
Why does this matter? The more direct sunlight hits the panel (i.e., the smaller the angle between the sun’s rays and the panel surface), the more solar energy the panel can convert. So for large-scale installations like commercial rooftop systems or a ground-mounted on-grid solar system, tracking can increase output and therefore improve return on investment.
In simpler terms: imagine your panels are like faces turning to the sun as it moves, rather than staying turned away. That extra direct exposure adds up.
How Does a Solar Tracking System Work?
Here’s a breakdown of the working of a solar tracking system:
Components & Basic Function
- Solar sensors or light detectors (sometimes sun position algorithms) detect the sun’s direction.
- A control unit gathers the sensor data, computes where the sun is or will be.
- Actuators or motors drive the physical movement of the panels (or the mounting structure).
- The panel array moves to maintain a more optimal angle to the sun throughout the day (and sometimes across seasons).
- The system is connected to the rest of your solar panel installation: The panels feed into the inverter, which connects to the grid (in an on-grid system) or to batteries/off-grid components (if applicable).
Typical Operation in an On-Grid Solar System
In an on-grid solar system, where your solar panels supply electricity to the grid (or offset your utility usage), tracking helps you maximise midday and afternoon output when demand (and often tariffs) are higher. For a commercial rooftop system, this means more production during peak hours, which can mean better economics.
Real-world Considerations
- The structure must be able to rotate or tilt; this means stronger mounting, more open space (in many cases) and sometimes more complex foundations.
- Maintenance matters: motors, gears, sensors, and mechanical parts require upkeep (especially in dusty, harsh environments).
- The gain from tracking depends on your location (latitude, climate, shading, roof orientation) and the type of system you have.
Types of Solar Tracking Systems
There are several ways to classify solar tracking systems. Below are the main types and how they differ:
1. Based on Axis of Movement
- Single-Axis Solar Tracker: The panel rotates around one axis (usually east-to-west) to follow the sun as it rises and sets.
- Dual-Axis Solar Tracker: The panel rotates around two axes (east-west plus north-south tilt) so it can follow the sun both across the day and through the seasons.
2. Based on Mechanism
- Active Trackers: Use motors, gears and sensors to move the panels actively.
- Passive Trackers: Use physical/thermal mechanisms (e.g., fluids that expand/contract) to tilt the panels without motors. Simpler, but less precise.
- Manual Trackers: Someone physically adjusts the panels periodically. Rare in large systems.
3. Application-based Classification
- Ground‐mounted systems: Large installations, often utilising trackers because there is space.
- Commercial rooftop systems: Sometimes tracker may be used if space and structure allow, but less common than ground mounts because of rooftop constraints.
- Residential rooftop: As most sources note, trackers are often not cost-effective here because of space, structure and cost constraints.
Advantages of Solar Tracking Systems
Here are the benefits of using solar tracking systems (for example, in an on‐grid commercial rooftop project or a large ground‐mounted solar energy installation):
- Increased Energy Output: By keeping panels aligned with the sun, you can boost energy generation. Some sources note increases of 15-40% or more compared with fixed panels.
- Better Use of Space: If your land area is limited (for example in a commercial rooftop or grounds near your facility), a tracker allows you to get more yield per panel or per square metre.
- Higher Production During Peak Hours: Because the panel orientation is optimised, performance improves during morning and late‐afternoon hours, not just at solar noon.
- Flexibility Across Seasons (especially dual-axis): Dual-axis trackers adjust for seasonal sun height changes, making them especially useful in higher latitudes or where seasonal variation is large.
- Potentially Faster Payback (for large systems): For commercial or ground‐mounted systems, the extra yield may compensate for the extra cost and lead to better economics over the system’s lifetime.
Disadvantages of Solar Tracking Systems
No system is perfect. Here are the downsides you must consider before choosing a tracking setup for your solar energy system:
- Higher Initial Cost: Trackers add mechanical complexity (motors, sensors, actuators), stronger foundations, extra installation effort. That means more cost upfront compared to fixed solar panels.
- Increased Maintenance: Moving parts wear out, sensors may fail, motors may need servicing. For rooftop or commercial situations, this means additional operational cost.
- Structural and Space Constraints: On rooftops, especially commercial rooftops, the weight, movement envelope and wind load of a tracker may make it difficult or unsafe. Many trackers are more suited to ground-mount systems.
- Weather and Site Sensitivity: High winds, heavy snow, shading, uneven terrain can reduce the effectiveness of a tracking system or increase risk and cost.
- Diminishing Returns when Panels are Cheap: Since solar panels have become much cheaper, sometimes adding extra fixed panels may be more cost‐effective than buying complex tracking systems.
- Complex Installation and Control: More complex installation means more risk of errors in design, alignment, control system which if poorly managed can reduce the benefit of tracking.
Are Solar Tracking Systems Worth It?
When deciding whether to include a solar tracking system in your commercial rooftop system or on-grid solar system, here are some key questions and guidelines:
- Do you have enough open space (land) and correct structural conditions (for ground‐mount)? If land is abundant and flat, trackers may make sense.
- Is your system large enough? For big commercial or industrial solar installations, the incremental yield from trackers often makes more sense. For smaller rooftop or residential systems, simpler fixed tilt may be better.
- What is the sun path and climate like in your region? If you’re at moderate to high latitude, or experience large seasonal variation, the dual‐axis might give big gains. If you’re near the equator with a predictable sun path, simpler systems could suffice.
- Can the extra yield offset the additional cost (both upfront and maintenance) to deliver better economics (return on investment)? Do a detailed financial analysis. Sources in India suggest tracker costs add about 10–30% more for single axis, 20–30% (or more) for dual axis.
- For a rooftop system: Evaluate roof load, structural safety, wind/shade issues, mounting feasibility. Many rooftop systems for commercial buildings might find fixed tilt safer and simpler.
- Maintenance capabilities: If you can monitor and service the tracker mechanics regularly, the system will perform better. If not, risks increase.
Solar Tracking System in the Context of Commercial Rooftop & On-Grid Solar System
Since many commercial installations and on-grid systems (i.e., grid‐connected solar power systems) are key in solar energy adoption, let’s consider how trackers relate to these contexts:
- In a commercial rooftop system, space on the roof is premium. If roof area is limited and you have high daytime energy consumption (for manufacturing plant, warehouse, etc), a tracker may help maximise output per square metre.
- However, rooftops often have structural constraints: load limits, roof shape, shadows, access issues, and wind load. It may be more challenging to mount a tracker safely and cost‐effectively than a fixed tilt.
- In an on-grid solar system, your panels are feeding the grid (or offsetting your grid usage). During peak daytime usage, if a tracker helps you generate more energy exactly when you need it most (and perhaps at better tariff times), that improves your economics.
- For large ground‐mounted solar farms (often connected to grid), solar tracking systems are more common because land is available, servicing is more centralised, and the economies of scale justify the extra cost.
- The decision in each case needs alignment with your business goals: Do you need maximal yield per area? What is your cost of electricity from the grid? What is the payback requirement for your investment?
Final Thoughts
A solar tracking system is a powerful tool in your solar energy toolkit, especially for large commercial installations or ground‐mounted arrays where space, structure and budget allow. It helps your solar panels maximise exposure to the sun and therefore generate more electricity from the same investment.
That said, it’s not automatically the best solution in all cases. For small rooftop installations, or where structural/space/maintenance constraints exist, a fixed-tilt system may deliver a simpler and more reliable return.
If you’re considering a system for your commercial rooftop or on-grid solar application, ask your installer or engineer about:
- estimated yield increase from tracking (based on your site)
- additional upfront cost and additional maintenance cost
- structural implications (roof or ground)
- payback period and economic comparison (tracker vs. fixed plus extra panels)
- reliability and warranty of the tracking system
This balanced approach, examining both the benefits and the trade-offs, will help you decide whether the “follow‐the‐sun” approach of a solar tracker is worth it in your specific situation.
FAQs
1. What is the main purpose of a solar tracking system?
A solar tracking system helps solar panels follow the sun’s path throughout the day. By keeping the panels directly aligned with sunlight, it increases the amount of solar energy generated compared to fixed panels.
2. How much more energy can a solar tracking system produce?
On average, single-axis trackers can boost energy generation by 15–25%, while dual-axis trackers can increase output by 30–40%, depending on location, sunlight availability, and installation type.
3. Is a solar tracker suitable for rooftop installations?
Solar trackers are more common in ground-mounted or large commercial systems because they require space and sturdy foundations. While they can be used on commercial rooftop systems, structural constraints and higher costs often make them less practical for smaller rooftops.
4. Are solar tracking systems worth the investment?
It depends on your setup and goals. For large on-grid solar systems or commercial projects, the higher energy yield often justifies the additional cost. However, for residential or small rooftop systems, a fixed-tilt design may be more cost-effective and easier to maintain.
5. What kind of maintenance does a solar tracking system require?
Since solar trackers have moving parts like motors, gears, and sensors, they need regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation. This includes cleaning dust from sensors, lubricating mechanical joints, checking alignment, and inspecting wiring or control units. Proper maintenance helps maintain high efficiency and prevents costly breakdowns—especially in dusty or coastal environments.